January 2, 2025
BREAD FOR LIFE BEGINS 2025 WITH A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR–MISSY CIPRIANO
Donna Ayer Retires After Successful 8-Year Term
Missy Cipriano, the former Director of Operations for Bread for Life, is now serving as the Southington organization’s Executive Director. She follows Donna Ayer, who retired Dec. 31.
Cipriano joined BFL, along with Ayer coming from the Southington YMCA, in 2016. Cipriano has been involved in the Southington community she has called home for more than 20 years including serving a term on the Board of Education, serving on committees for the Southington Elderly Commission, Activate Southington, The Karen Smith Academy, Ur Community Cares and Alzheimer’s Association CT. She is also currently the Vice Chair for the Southington Library and Barnes Museum.
Bread for Life Board Chair Pat Byrne commented: “Missy has provided tremendous leadership over her years at Bread for Life and her energy and passion every day is massive. She leads from the heart and achieves exceptional success for those in need in Southington. Missy is a true leader who works well with everyone at Bread for Life and is committed to our mission. The Board of Directors are supportive and enthusiastic to have her as our next Executive Director in leading the dedicated staff and volunteers. I look forward to working alongside Missy as she continues to advance our mission in helping those in need.”
Cipriano added: “It is with great honor and gratitude that I will begin my next season at Bread for Life as Executive Director. The past eight years have been such a great experience building upon the 32-year foundation laid before my arrival. I am truly looking forward to continuing the relationships and partnerships that have already been established and am excited about the new relationships that will be made. The future for Bread for Life is clear and bright, due to the great support of all our donors, volunteers, and business partners. We will continue to serve at the highest level of dignity recognizing that our vision that ‘No One Goes Hungry’ is so much more than food– it is a symphony of obstacles that could affect any of us at any time.’
Ayer Retires
Ayer became BFL Executive Director in November of 2016 when the late Eldon Hafford retired. She announced her retirement in October and stayed in the position through year end.
Byrne added his thoughts on Ayer: “Donna has been nothing less than an outstanding leader as the Executive Director at Bread for Life. I had the absolute pleasure of working with her in those eight plus years and side by side over the past nine months. Through her leadership, BFL expanded its revenue and services for those in need enormously. Donna would enter the doors at BFL daily with huge vibrations of positive energy that led to everyone’s creativity. It was contagious for all. She has worked tirelessly throughout her tenure. All the best wishes for Donna as she enjoys her retirement.”
Cipriano commented:” ‘When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life’, a quote says. I will add that when you love who you work with, possibilities are endless. Donna Ayer has led the charge at Bread for Life with all heart. Donna’s focus was and I believe will always be ‘the betterment of humanity’. Her servant-caring leadership raised the bar for every non-profit executive to see beyond the surface and meet that need serving one person at a time. I am personally looking forward to continuing that work, following the example Donna set, and building upon it.”
Ayer added: “It has been my privilege and honor to serve as Bread for Life’s Executive Director for the past eight years. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside amazing staff and volunteers and to serve our clients. After an amazing eight years and our 40th anniversary, I am sad to leave but thrilled by the prospects of what is to come for Bread for Life. Our team is strong, compassionate, and ready to serve the Southington community for the next 40 years. Best wishes and thank you for your incredible support!”
Contact: Missy Cipriano 860-276-8389